This marks our second year sourcing coffee from Diego Robelo and the Esperanza lot at Aquiares Estate, a coffee that holds a special place for us. A few years ago, we had the opportunity to visit Aquiares in person and spend time at the Esperanza lot itself. Last year, we also welcomed Diego Robelo to our first podcast season, making it especially meaningful to bring this coffee back for our 2026 collection. Meet Esperanza, an african washed coffee from Aquiares Estate in Turrialba, Costa Rica. Grown in volcanic soils under steady rainfall, this lot reflects the unique conditions and deep farming tradition of one of Costa Rica’s most respected coffee regions. Produced through regenerative agricultural practices and careful farm management, it represents Aquiares’ long-term commitment to quality and responsible cultivation. The Esperanza variety is a modern hybrid designed to balance exceptional cup quality with strong farm performance. With Ethiopian genetic heritage expressed through Costa Rica’s terroir and washed processing, the result is a clean and structured cup with vibrant fruit character, layered sweetness, and remarkable clarity. What makes this coffee even more meaningful is the vision behind Aquiares. Established in 1980, the estate has become recognized not only for coffee quality, but also for its long-term investment in community, environmental stewardship, and continuous innovation. Through varietal research, regenerative farming, and preservation of protected forest areas, Aquiares continues to build a model for the future of sustainable coffee production. This is a coffee shaped by place, people, and a long-term commitment to doing things thoughtfully — and we’re excited to share it again this season.
